Reo-Coker sees future Ballon d'Or in Cherki after Anfield masterclass

Rayan Cherki struck again at Anfield. The French midfielder for Manchester City scored his side’s third goal in their 3-0 victory against Liverpool on Sunday, following a devastating turn past Jeremie Frimpong. The goal triggered praise from Nigel Reo-Coker, former midfielder at West Ham and Aston Villa, on the CBS panel.

“We are watching a future Ballon d’Or winner. He has all the qualities and attributes. I love players with character and he has personality. Football needs more Rayan Cherki and fewer robots,” the Englishman said. He also mentioned the potential role of Zinédine Zidane in the player’s ultimate breakthrough: “He can do it at City, he has the talent, now he can do it with the national team, with his idol who is his manager, Zinédine Zidane, who can take him to the next level.”

At 24, the Lyon native is not yet among the world’s elite. He is not even among the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, whose winner will be revealed next Monday in London amid near-total uncertainty over the victor’s identity.

Cherki remains nonetheless one of the cornerstones of a Manchester City side leading the Premier League, alongside Erling Haaland. Under Zidane’s orders with the France national team, he occupies a right-sided playmaker role that regularly places him in the danger zone — a position tailored for accumulating goals and assists. His club season is convincing; his international performance, notably at the 2026 World Cup, is less so.

Should Manchester City return to the UEFA Champions League in the coming seasons, the individual equation could change dramatically for the talent developed at Lyon.